Estimated time to complete this section: 8 minutes
In moving from one place to another, many of us employ maps–whether they are on paper, a standalone navigation device, or on our smartphone. But how might we define a map? A quick Google search will provide multiple definitions from a variety of sources, but most agree that maps:
- are usually flat
- are usually two-dimensional
- provide symbolic representations of a place
Maps can provide viewers with an understanding of a myriad of subjects, including but not limited to physical space, natural resources, political boundaries, climate data, population density, demographics, movement, and the built environment. In examining these symbolic representations of places, viewers should also take note what mapmakers may have omitted, such as topography and buildings.
In understanding that maps provide symbolic representations, it is important to remember that there are conventions (or rules) that guide their usage. Understanding these rules for use is an essential component of map analysis.
There are five basic components of a map; however, not every map will contain every component:
- Title
- Orientation
- Scale
- Legend
- Grid
Additionally, maps might also include the name of the individual mapmaker (or the the organization creating the map), as well as the date of the map’s creation. These elements can be important elements in local history research.
When analyzing primary sources, the use of acronyms can be beneficial, as they create a checklist to guide the questions you’ll ask. An commonly used acronym for maps is DOGSTAILS, in which analysis focuses on the map’s Date, Orientation, Grid, Scale, Title, Author, Index, Legend, and Sources. In the table below, some parts of DOGSTAILS correspond directly to the components of the map, which may make some aspects of analysis easy and straightforward. However, other parts are not necessarily found on the map; this is where you will use your close reading and corroboration skills.
3.4 Video
- John Smith Map (Total Video Time: 5:36; video transcripts on page)
| D | Date | When was the map created?
Answering this question allows you place the map within its appropriate historical and chronological context |
| O | Orientation | What are the principal directions on the map? How are they displayed? |
| G | Grid | What kind of grid system is used? |
| S | Scale | Is there a scale present? If so, what is it? |
| T | Title | What is the name of the map?
Where was the map created? Who is the intended audience of the map? When was the map created? |
| A | Author | Who created the map–an individual? An organizational entity? |
| I | Index | Are both an alphabetical listing of places and a grid present on the map? |
| L | Legend | Is there a legend present that explains the symbols present on the map? |
| S | Sources | What sources are used to create the map?
Identifying the sources allow you to examine and assess the validity of the map as a source. |
adapted from David Stephens, “Making Sense of Maps,” History Matters: The U.S. Survey Course on the Web, http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/, February 2002.